Croydon College’s staff, students and governors are thrilled to have received yet another "good" grade from Ofsted inspectors.

The Government’s education watchdog praised Croydon College’s continuing success in improving "the lives and life chances of students" following the recent inspection in January 2018.

The inspectors were very impressed by what they saw at the college and said that "students’ behaviour in lessons, workshops and around the college is exemplary".

They also said that "students benefit greatly from the extra help and care they receive from staff at the college".

Media film and animation courses are offered at the college

The college has taken "effective action to maintain the strengths" that were identified at the last inspection in May 2014, says the report, which covered everything from the curriculum and how the college is led and managed, to its student support and work with its community and employers.

It noted that "the promotion of equality and support for diversity are outstanding".

The college's teaching, learning and assessment were highly commended, including the "well-conceived strategy to improve students’ reading as a skill required for all subjects".

"A high proportion of students now read for pleasure," said the Ofsted inspectors.

The college offers construction and building courses

The inspectors noted: "The very strong partnership arrangements between the college, employers, the local authority and community leaders benefit students by contributing to the richness of their learning.

"The extensive volunteering opportunities, well-planned work experience, supported internships and workplace mentoring that partners provide prepare students well for work and their next steps into further training and/or higher education."

Safeguarding at the college was judged to be "exceptionally thorough" and it was noted that "through the college-wide, UNICEF-approved citizenship programme, new students understand rapidly the high standards of mutual respect and behaviour expected by the college community, and they model these values well".

Croydon College offers many practical and professional qualifications and the inspectors highlighted the very good support that students receive towards progression, commenting that "students benefit from high-quality careers advice and guidance throughout their time at college".

There are hair and beauty courses at the college

Inspectors said that staff are very good at meeting students’ needs "so that they choose the most appropriate programme to develop the skills and knowledge they will need to pursue their chosen career".

Principal and CEO Frances Wadsworth said: "This very positive report highlights the many ways in which we have improved students’ life chances, noting higher achievement, partnerships that give students greater experience, such as volunteering and work placements and increased progression to employment.

"I am proud that the quality of the overall learning experience and the positive character and behaviour of our students was recognised.

"However, I am keenly aware that any successful college only moves forward with the engagement and support of its staff - as well as students, governors, parents/guardians, employers and local community – and I want to thank everyone who has played a part in this great journey of continuing improvement and success."

There are performing arts and music courses at the college

Gordon Smith, chair of Governors at the college, said: “This Ofsted report describes a college that the whole community can be proud of, reflecting as it does a place for learning that is committed to working in partnership and changing the lives of our learners.

"It is testament to the hard work and talent of all of our students, our incredible staff team, and the leadership of our principal Frances Wadsworth.

"Governors and staff will now use this very strong validation of our work to drive for even better in the future and to make sure that Croydon College continues to succeed for our students."